Term 1 | The Way Newsletter | Friday 13 March 2026

Latest UpdatesBack to Top

From the Principal
Principal

This week was NAPLAN week. NAPLAN affects students in both Junior and Senior School and is intended to provide a snapshot of learning skills of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It is a helpful diagnostic tool to assess students current understanding across different areas whilst helping teaching staff to identify gaps and inform next steps in the learning process.

Importantly, NAPLAN is not a measure of future academic success as it is skills based not content specific. Importantly it is also not a measure of a student’s intelligence as it is not designed to assess creativity, critical thinking, resilience or personal strengths. It is about literacy and numeracy skills at a single point in time. Sometimes, however, data like NAPLAN can be misused to make assumptions about a student or school’s performance which can distort classroom practice and create an unhelpful competitive environment.

At Thomas Hassall we take a much broader view. We use multiple points of data to understand how each student is making progress. NAPLAN is only one part of a much richer picture.  Students demonstrate their learning growth every day in class discussions, practical tasks, informal activities as well as through the more formal setting of exams. To understand learning accurately and fairly we must consider all these elements together.

Reflecting on NAPLAN has prompted me to think more about the HSC. Many of you will be familiar with the way that some newspapers report on results and create lists that rank schools in terms of performance. What you might not know is that these lists are based on only the top few students in each school. Highly selective schools are naturally over-represented. More comprehensive schools like ours, focus on the whole student and their learning journey, not just marks.

I am regularly asked about academic results at the College. While it was wonderful to see last year’s class recognised for outstanding achievements where we moved more than 100 places in the newspaper rankings, it remains a limited measure of success. These lists acknowledge only the students who score above 90 in a subject, overlooking the 80% of students who work diligently, achieve personal bests and often complete exams in their second or third language.

What truly makes me proud is not a rank, but the consistent effort of our students and teachers: meeting every learner where they are, tailoring strategies to help them grow, and nurturing character, resilience and curiosity.

If your child sat NAPLAN this week, please congratulate them. Encourage them to do their best, to recognise their own progress and to understand that their worth is not measured by marks or comparison with others. What matters most is that they keep learning, keep growing and keep moving forward.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.
- Ephesians 2:10

Mrs Karen Easton
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Chris Wyatt

What does it mean to truly belong? This is a question that has been on my mind at the start of this year as I have begun a new professional journey here at Thomas Hassall. Not only have I reflected on what it means for me to belong, I have had similar thoughts about what it means for our students to have a sense of belonging.

We belong to many things. We belong to families, friendship and cultural groups, churches and sporting clubs. But belonging is more than just participation or turning up. True belonging suggests a sense of connectedness, reliance, interdependence, pride and identity.

Belonging is integral to students thriving at school. This is identified strongly in PISA data that highlights a direct connection between a student’s sense of belonging and their academic achievement, engagement with learning, wellbeing and future aspirations.

(PISA is a triennial assessment conducted by the OECD with 15-year-olds across the world. These assessments measure the extent to which students have acquired key knowledge and skills essential for full participation in social and economic life. Additionally, they assess factors that contribute to student engagement, academic growth and wellbeing.)

As a Christian community, the importance of belonging shouldn’t be a surprise given we are created in God’s image as relational beings.

So what does belonging look like at Thomas Hassall?

Belonging is integral to College life! It begins for many of our students as they make their way through the Primary School with the support of their class teachers who seek to create environments of trust, connection, recognition, learning and fun. This doesn’t happen by chance. Teachers deliberately structure learning experiences to build this climate and to teach the skills of belonging. The sense of belonging also comes from being part of a House, a sporting team, a lunchtime club and a friendship group.  

As students make their way into Year 7 and through the Senior School, the sense of belonging changes. It is completely natural for adolescents to begin to want to form and express their personal identity and independence. At the same time, their experience of College life shifts as they move from class to class and work with upwards of ten different teachers at a time. As this occurs, belonging becomes even more important, whether the students realise it or not. They need somewhere where they can be safe, known and be supported to learn through the academic and social challenges thrown their way.

This space exists in many forms but perhaps most importantly in PC (Pastoral Care) Groups under the leadership of their PC Teacher. PC Groups are a time for students to form connections with their peers, to celebrate one another’s achievements and life events and to share experiences. It is a time where students are guided, nurtured and encouraged as they form a close connection with one teacher across the year. In many ways, this is an attempt to replicate the primary class teacher model in an age-appropriate way for students in Senior School.

Over the last couple of weeks, parents may have noticed an increased focus on Senior School students arriving in time for the start of PC Groups at 7:55am. This is very deliberate. We value PC Groups and understand the enormous impact that belonging has on a student’s journey at school. We want all students to benefit from this. We appreciate your ongoing support in helping your child to be on time so they can contribute to and benefit from PC Group time.

As a side note, I am feeling a strong sense of belonging here…it’s a very welcoming and dynamic community!

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image,  in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
- Genesis 1:26-27

Mr Chris Wyatt
Deputy Principal
Head of Junior School
Kylie

The Junior School has been a buzz with activity over the past two weeks, with many opportunities for students to learn, participate and grow.

Our Cross Country event was a wonderful example of students striving for personal bests and demonstrating perseverance. Despite the warm weather, students approached the event with enthusiasm and determination. It was also lovely to see so many parents present, cheering on and encouraging our runners. Your support adds greatly to the spirit of these events and is always appreciated.

We also recently held our Parent–Teacher Interviews. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity for families and teachers to partner together in supporting each child’s learning and wellbeing. Thank you to the many parents who took the time to meet with teachers and discuss their child’s progress.

A few weeks ago we were pleased to welcome police representatives who spoke with both parents and students in Years 1–6 about online safety. Their presentations highlighted the importance of being vigilant when using devices and provided practical strategies to help students remain safe and respectful online. Students were also reminded about the importance of understanding and following the new social media laws.

Our Junior School leaders continue to grow in confidence and responsibility. Students who serve as JAM (Jesus and Me) Leaders recently attended a Junior School Leadership Training Day, where they developed skills that will help them lead and support others within our community.

This week our Year 6 students departed for their two-night excursion to Canberra. This experience provides valuable opportunities for learning about Australia’s history, government and national identity. You can read more about their experiences in this week's article. 

In the last newsletter I wrote about the benefits of allowing children to learn through making mistakes. Children naturally enjoy trying new things and as adults we can help them by celebrating the journey of discovery rather than focusing only on the final result. With Easter approaching, many families will soon begin thinking about Easter hats and entries for the Eggshibition. What a wonderful opportunity for students to take ownership of their creations! Imagine the sense of pride and learning that comes when children design and make their own entry at home, rather than having it completed by a parent.

I look forward to seeing the creativity, effort and imagination reflected in the student-made Easter hats and egg displays.

Mrs Kylie Singles
Head of Junior School
From the Assistant Chaplain
Peter Butchatsky

If you visit the College on a Thursday, you might notice a big sign up near S-Block hall with the word “JAM” on it. Please note, this is not an advertisement for fruity spreadable goodness. JAM stands for “Jesus And Me.”

Each Thursday in the Junior School we run two groups during break times for students who have faith in Jesus or who are investigating Christianity. These groups are called JAM (Years 4-6) and Junior JAM (Year 3). 

This year we have had many children keen to come along each week. To help run these groups and encourage younger Christians, some students in Year Six have agreed to serve as “JAM leaders.” They are excited to have the opportunity to serve God and our College in this important way.

On Monday 2 March, we joined with staff and students from other Christian schools in a leadership training event called “CruFIT” (Followers in Training) at Broughton Anglican College. It was a wonderful morning of fun games and helpful workshops, based around the topic of the Bible. Our JAM leaders were taught practical skills in Bible reading, teaching games and memory verses. We were reminded from Hebrews 4:12 that God’s Word is a powerful and helpful guide as we follow Jesus.

cru

Here are some of their comments about the day:

“CruFIT was an amazing experience of growing in knowledge of Christ.”
– Kristabel L

“At CruFIT I learnt the importance of God’s word. I was amazed about how much kids want to learn about Jesus!”
– Natasha T

“I was reminded that God is infinitely powerful.”
– Ryan L

In our College Prayer we ask God to help us to grow in maturity, serve in love and honour You joyfully in all we do. It has been deeply encouraging to see this prayer being answered in the lives of our JAM leaders this term.

Mr Peter Butchatsky
Assistant Chaplain

Upcoming dates

 

Date

Event
Saturday 14 March OPEN DAY- BOOK NOW
Wednesday 18 March

Duke of Ed Silver Hike Depart

Fukuroi Senior High School Visit
Friday 20 March Camden Show Music Performances
Friday 27 March Movie Night Gates Open 5.30pm - BOOK NOW

Please see Sports Update articles for all important sporting dates.  
Twelve Eggs Hidden in the Junior Library

The Easter Bunny needs help! He has lost twelve of his eggs in the Junior Library. It us up to the students in Prep, Kindy and Year 1 to find them for him. Can the eggs be found in time for Easter?

irc

This term the Junior Library is running an Easter competition for students in Prep to Year 1. Twelve Easter eggs have been hidden in the barcodes of twelve different picture books, the only way students can find an egg is to borrow one of those books. Each egg finder will win a brand new book of their choice. This competition will start next Monday 16 March and will run until the end of the term.

For more information please speak to the College Librarians.

Mrs Arabella Issa & Mr Michael Smith
Junior IRC Library Team
Movie Night Sponsorships

We invite businesses from our College and local community to partner with us as sponsors of our Movie Night Under the Stars. This free community event is a great opportunity to showcase your business while supporting a memorable evening for families and friends.

As a sponsor, your business will gain valuable exposure to our wider community while contributing to a much-loved College event.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and the benefits of partnering with us for this musical production, please email [email protected] and request a sponsorship booklet. 

Mrs Carmen Pasapera
Director of Marketing and Community Engagement

EventsBack to Top

Open Day

The College is excited to be holding Open Day on Saturday 14 March. 

This day is a great opportunity for anyone considering enrolment to see the College in action.

There will be an opportunity to visit classrooms, hear from the Principal and ask questions about the College.

Please let your family and friends know and encourage them to register for this event through the button below. 
Easter Hat Parade

Students in Prep to Year 4 are invited to make an Easter hat at home in preparation for our Easter Hat Parade. 

We encourage you to decorate your Easter hat using some recycled materials to model sustainable practices. Families are warmly invited to come along to the Parade. Seating will be available on the Amphitheatre steps.

Students in Years 5 and 6 will take part in an Eggshibition, showing their Easter-inspired dioramas. Viewing will be open from 9.30am until 11am in the John Lambert Auditorium. Normal classes will resume after the Parade and Eggshibition. We look forward to having you as we celebrate the Easter season together as a community.

PREP 3-DAY - YEAR 4

Tuesday 31 March | 8.45am
Junior School Amphitheatre

YEAR 5 - 6 - Eggshibition

Tuesday 31 March | 9.30am
John Lambert Auditorium 

PARKING

Parking will be available on the Upper Oval
Entry from Gate 3, Flynn Ave 8.00 - 11.00am

PREP 2-DAY

Thursday 2 April | 1.45pm 
Prep Outdoor Area 
Street Parking
Movie Night under the Stars

Join us for a movie night as we watch SING 2

Friday 27 March | 5.30pm

This is a free event and everyone is welcome. Gates open at 5.30pm with food trucks and entertainment. The movie will begin at 6.30pm.

Bring your picnic rug and blanket and join us on the oval. In the event of wet weather, the event will move indoors.

WellbeingBack to Top

Understanding Anxiety and Depression Webinar

Join SchoolTV for this exclusive free webinar featuring international experts Dr Emma Woodward and Dr Joe Stammeijer, as they share valuable insights into recognising early signs of concern and practical approaches to supporting the wellbeing of young people. 

WEBINAR: Understanding Anxiety and Depression to Foster Resilience (Part I)
DATE: Wednesday 18 March 2026
TIME: 7:30 pm

speakers

This webinar is part 1 of a series and will go for 45 minutes. 

In this session, topics include: 

  • - Understanding Anxiety and Depression
  • - Recognising Early Signs 
  • - Supporting Neurodivergent Children

 

LearningBack to Top

Year 6 Canberra Excursion

Our Year 6 students had an action‑packed week in Canberra, exploring some of Australia’s most important national institutions. We visited Australian Institute of Sport, trying out interactive sports challenges, before learning how elections work at the National Electoral Education Centre.

At the Australian War Memorial, students reflected on Australia’s military history, followed by a visit to the National Museum of Australia to explore stories that shaped our nation. Science came alive at Questacon and a tour of Parliament House helped students understand how laws are made.

We also visited the National Portrait Gallery, the National Capital Exhibition and the Museum of Australian Democracy, each offering new insights into Australia’s identity, design and democratic values.

On the final day, students celebrated the end of camp with a fun session at Zone Bowling, finishing the week with plenty of laughs and friendly competition.  By the end of the week, students returned home tired but inspired, with a deeper understanding of Australia’s history, democracy, culture and memories they’ll carry with them for years.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist schools in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our College in the amount of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. 

Mr Simon Thomas
Year 6 Year Leader

Exploring Country and Culture in Year 2

This term, the Year 2 students have been learning about the rich cultures and histories of First Nations Peoples. They explored how these communities share and celebrate their heritage through storytelling, ceremonies, art, music and dance.

Year 2
2

Students also discovered that many significant cultural sites across Australia are connected to Dreaming Stories and learned how First Nations Peoples pass knowledge and traditions from one generation to the next.

Ms Danica Potgieter
Year 2 Year Leader
Junior Art Showcase

In the mid- to late-1700s, silhouette portraiture became a popular, cheaper, faster alternative to the traditional portrait paintings that could only be afforded by the wealthy.  Our Year 2 students recently explored this art form with great enthusiasm.  There’s nothing quite like pulling down the blinds and blacking out the classroom to excite a group of seven-year-olds!

year 2

Students worked in teams of three, taking turns at drawing, holding a torch, or standing very still to have their shadow outlined.  We had to be very respectful of other groups, taking care not to flash our torch lights around the room.  We needed to steady our hands so that the shadow did not dance around and our drawings were accurate.  We needed to keep our bodies as still as statues so our friend wielding the pencil could do a decent job.  Lastly, we took great care with our scissor work to capture our likenesses in profile.  Our patience and persistence paid off with these wonderful black-and-white images.

Mrs Ann McDermott
Junior School Specialist Teacher (Visual Arts)
A Symphony of Strings

This past week, our Junior and Senior Strings programs had an incredible opportunity to participate in a joint collaborative event called Strings Fiesta. This event brought together talented young musicians from five different schools, Oran Park Anglican College, Penrith Anglican College, Broughton Anglican College and St Peter’s Anglican Grammar joining our own dedicated string players for a day of intensive music-making. The scale of the event was truly impressive, involving approximately 70 students from Year 5 all the way through to Year 12. For many, it was a rare and thrilling opportunity to perform in an ensemble much larger than their regular school groups, providing a rich, "wall of sound" experience that only a massive string orchestra can produce.

We were privileged to have guest conductor Mr David Saffir lead the students through a diverse range of new repertoire. Under his expertise, the musicians focused on the intricate art of ensemble blending, refining their collective technique, and learning how to listen across sections to create a unified tone. A particular highlight of the day was a breathtaking solo cello performance by Mr Ehab Ibrahim, who leads our own strings program. His performance served as a powerful inspiration, showcasing the level of mastery and expression that our students are striving toward.

music

The day culminated in a great final performance for parents and teachers, where in they could see the remarkable progress made in just a few short hours. We would like to extend a warm thank you to all the visiting schools and staff for making this collaboration such a success. It was a great show of the way that music has a unique way of bridging different ages and schools. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate and create beautiful music together!

Mr Lachlan Kennedy
Head of Music Ensembles

Junior School Sports Update


Junior School Cross Country Carnival – Years 3–6

On Tuesday 10 March, the College hosted its annual Junior School Cross Country Carnival for students in Years 3 to 6.  After the recent rain, we were delighted to enjoy perfect conditions for the 2km and 3km events.

Students showed incredible determination, enthusiasm, and resilience throughout the morning. It was wonderful to hear them cheering on their peers, celebrating personal bests, and displaying great sportsmanship across all year levels.

AGE CHAMPIONS
AGE BOYS GIRLS
8/9 Years Charlotte B Sebastian I
10 Years Mary A George S
11 Years A’mia B Tomas C
12 Years Ella K Aiden P

Congratulations to our 2026 Age Champions on their outstanding performances!

House Results

Congratulations to Liddell House, who were crowned the overall champions for the 2026 Junior School Cross Country Carnival!

PLACE HOUSE POINTS
1st Liddell 825
2nd Carmichael 769
3rd Lewis 496
4th Wilberforce 490 

A wonderful effort from all four houses.  Well done to every student who contributed points on the day!

A special thank you goes to Mr Bursey and our Year 10 PASS students, who did an exceptional job managing checkpoints along the course and offering encouragement to all runners. We also extend our thanks to the guide runners who supported Junior School participants during their races.

We congratulate all students who placed in the top 8 of their age group and have now qualified to represent the College at the upcoming CASA Cross Country Carnival on Thursday 7 May.  We wish them every success in their training and preparation over the coming weeks.

UPCOMING SPORTING DATES

WEEK 7

 Monday 16 March  Years 5 & 6 CIS Boys & Girls AFL Trials **

WEEK 8

 Wednesday 25 March NSW CIS Primary Swimming Carnival

WEEK 9 

 Monday 30 March CASA Year 5 & 6 Girls Netball Gala Day
Years 5 & 6 CIS Boys & Girls Hockey Trials **

** Please contact Mrs Evans if you are interested in your child trialling at the NSW CIS Hockey or AFL.   

NB – students need to be playing at a high level to be considered for nomination.  Students will only be considered from Year 5 and 6.


Mrs Sharon Evans
P-6 Sport Coordinator

Co-curricularBack to Top

Building Skills on the Court

Thomas Hassall Anglican College has partnered with Marconi Tennis for many years to provide engaging and enjoyable tennis sessions for our students through our Sport Academy Tennis program. 

As part of the program, students participate in weekly tennis sessions designed to build both fundamental skills and a love for the game. Through a mix of fun games and structured skill-based activities, students develop coordination, balance, movement skills, focus and confidence while actively engaging in sport.

The sessions provide a positive and supportive environment where students are encouraged to challenge themselves and enjoy the process of learning. Alongside skill development, the program promotes teamwork and active participation.

These opportunities support students in developing their tennis ability while fostering a lifelong enjoyment of sport and healthy recreation.

 

CommunityBack to Top

Kindy Parent Meet Up

Today at the MRK Cafe, we welcomed out Kindy families for a special meet-up, giving parents a chance to connect with others in their child's class. It was a great way to start the day with conversation and coffee. 

Kindy

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a lovely morning. 

 
Parent Community Network Induction

This week, parents and carers gathered at the College for a Parent Community Network (PCN) induction and training session, taking an important first step toward volunteering within the Thomas Hassall Anglican College community.

The PCN provides a wonderful opportunity for families to support the life of the College while connecting with other parents and carers. Volunteers play an important role in assisting with a range of activities across the year, helping to strengthen the sense of community that makes our College so special.

During the session, attendees were introduced to the various ways they can be involved in 2026. Opportunities include serving as Class Helpers, assisting at much-loved events such as the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls, and supporting other activities throughout the school year. The induction also outlined the important processes and expectations for volunteering. 

We are grateful to all parents and carers who are willing to give their time in support of our students and staff. Their involvement helps create a welcoming and vibrant community and we look forward to seeing many of them involved in College life throughout the year.

Mrs Carmen Pasapera
Director of Marketing and Community Engagement
WhatsApp Groups for Grades

Many parents would like to connect with each other during this time, a great way to do that is through parent led WhatsApp groups.

Parents of the younger year groups have created WhatsApp groups that they are apart of, many have stated how useful they have been.

Parent administrators have asked to extend the opportunity to parents who may not be aware of these groups. Please note that these groups are not run or administered by the College, rather are parent run. If you would like to be added to your child's grade WhatsApp group, please fill in the form and your details will be passed on to the admins.

If you are an administrator of any other groups and are interested in reaching your year groups parents, please email [email protected]

Mrs Carmen Pasapera
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement
The Way we connect

The Way We Connect – Keeping Our Community Informed

If you have a question or suggestion, you can submit it using the form below. This will be a regular feature in our newsletter, helping to keep our community informed.

Please note that while not every submission will receive a direct reply, we will ensure recurring topics are addressed in a way that benefits everyone.

Got a question? Submit it via the button below—your input helps shape what we share!